Evander delivered the decisive moment deep into stoppage time as FC Cincinnati edged New York City FC 2-1 in a dramatic Major League Soccer fixture at TQL Stadium on Wednesday night.
With the match seemingly headed for a draw after an even first half and a tense second-period battle, Cincinnati’s No. 10 found the breakthrough at 90’+1′ to send the home support into celebration and secure all three points.
Fast start, quick response
FC Cincinnati made the sharper opening and turned their early pressure into a goal in the 11th minute. Kenji Mboma Dem struck to put the hosts ahead, giving Cincinnati a deserved early advantage.
New York City FC responded well, however, and restored parity 10 minutes later. Luighi Hanri finished in the 21st minute to make it 1-1, ensuring the sides went into half-time level.
The visitors carried a threat throughout, finishing with 16 shots and eight efforts on target. Cincinnati, though, controlled more of the ball with 55.7 percent possession and produced 14 shots, six of them on target.
Evander settles it late
The second half became increasingly physical and finely balanced. Cincinnati’s Obinna Nwobodo was booked in the 50th minute, while NYCFC’s Luighi Hanri and Nicolás Fernández also entered the referee’s notebook as both teams searched for a late edge.
New York City FC won five corners to Cincinnati’s two and continued to test the hosts, but Cincinnati found the match-winning quality when it mattered most. Evander struck at 90’+1′, breaking the deadlock at the latest possible stage and sealing a 2-1 home victory.
The result moves FC Cincinnati’s overall MLS record to 8-6-6, while New York City FC fall to 7-5-8. Cincinnati next host Seattle Sounders FC on Saturday, while NYCFC travel to face New England Revolution on Sunday.
Goals
- FC Cincinnati: Kenji Mboma Dem, 11′
- New York City FC: Luighi Hanri, 21′
- FC Cincinnati: Evander, 90’+1′
